Berry Basket, 1984
Elaine Timentwa Emerson
(American | Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Methow Band, born 1941)
Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Berry Basket is part of Native American artist Elaine Timentwa Emerson's body of traditional baskets, create in Omak, Washington using natural materials.
This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Native American artist and basket maker Elaine Timentwa Emerson (Methow Band) was born and raised on the family cattle ranch on the Colville Reservation in Northeastern Washington. From an early age, her parents instilled the importance of carrying on Methow language, craft, and cultural traditions. She started weaving seriously at age 28. In her own words, "The reason I committed myself to teach basketry was to prove that as a people we are still here and basket making was not a dead art – a victim of forced assimilation… A basket maker must be a botanist, environmentalist, ecologist, and marketer, all of these things combined." Emerson was honored with a Washington State Governor's Heritage Award in 1995 for her contribution to the culture, customs, and traditions of the Colville people.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Medium | Bear grass and dyed cedar root bark |
Dimensions | 9 1/2 in x 3 3/4 in |
ID Number | WSAC1984.191.000 |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Washington State Arts Commission |
Artwork Location | Washington State Arts Commission Not on display. At ArtsWA pending conservation, framing, re-siting, or return to site. |
WA County | Thurston |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | State Agency |
Address | 711 Capitol Way S., Suite 600 Olympia, WA 98504 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.041975, -122.901474 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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